MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 7 DECEMBER
December 7, 2025
SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY – 8 DECEMBER
December 8, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
7 DECEMBER, 2025
Matthew 3:1-12
In those days: John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah when he said:
“A voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”
John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and the region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit worthy of repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I indeed baptize you with water for repentance. But the one who comes after me is stronger than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
As we journey through Advent, today’s Gospel calls us to readiness and renewal. John the Baptist—the voice crying in the wilderness—challenges us to prepare a straight path for the Lord by turning away from sin and producing “fruit worthy of repentance.” This is not a call to mere ritual, but to genuine interior conversion.
John’s message confronts complacency: claiming heritage or privilege (“We have Abraham as our father”) is not enough. God demands a living faith — one that shows in justice, mercy, humility, love. As Advent invites us to prepare for Christ’s coming, our preparation must be more than external. It must pierce our hearts, uproot old attachments, and enable us to bear good fruit.
We are reminded that the promised Messiah baptizes not with water, but with Spirit and fire. His coming will purify and transform. Our call is to welcome that transformation now, with humble hearts ready to receive His salvation, and with lives committed to holiness and justice.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, grant me the grace to heed the call of John the Baptist: to repent, to turn from sin, and to prepare my heart for the coming of Your Son. Purify me by Your Spirit, and use the fire of Your love to cleanse my soul. Help me to produce the good fruit of justice, mercy, and holiness. May I walk in readiness and truth, so that when Christ comes, He finds me prepared and joyful. Amen
